Catbells Lake District Walk Route

Cat Bells Lake District Walk Route

Download and print your pdf of the walk from here

In my opinion there is no better way to get to the start of the ascent of Cat Bells other than by boat. Catching the first ferry of the day will allow you to get to Hawes End without all the hassle of trying to find somewhere to park. The return ferry from Lodore Landing Stage is just as pleasant with fantastic views.

Parking: There are several places to park in Keswick but I like to park at the Lakeside Car Park near to the Theatre by the Lake and the Landing Stages.

The Walk

(S) From Hawes End Landing Stage take the track through the woods to bring you out on a tarmac road
(1) Turn left and continue up the road, across a cattle grid and to the start of the path leading up to Catbells
(2) Continue on the path up Catbells. It is a long and gradual climb, steep and rocky in sections but well worth the effort with the rewarding views.
(3) At the top of Catbells continue ahead and descend to the dip between Catbells and High Spy to Maiden Moor
(4) At the dip of Maiden Moor continue straight to ascend High Spy
(5) At the top of High Spy, return to Maiden Moor
(6) Descend down a well worn path and continue on until you reach a gate in a stone wall.
(8) Do not go through the gate but instead turn right and follow a narrow ‘Permissive Path’ which will come out at a footbridge crossing a small stream
(8) Cross the bridge and over a stile on your left to bring you out at a junction
(9) Turn right and continue to Hollows Farm. Continue past with the farm on your right and follow the track to the left
(10) At the next junction, turn left and continue into Grange village
(11) At the end of the track turn right onto the road and continue over the bridge to the main road. Turn left and continue along the main road until you reach Lodore Landing Stage, using footpaths and tracks off the road where available.
(12) At the landing stage, take the ferry back to Keswick
(E).

Additional Tips:

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks.
  • Consider using a map or GPS device to help you navigate the area.
  • Respect the natural environment and leave no trace.

Where to Stay

Keswick is overflowing with top places to stay and you can search practically all of them here. However, we have saved you some of the effort and our top 3 places to stay in Keswick are right here:

  1. The Grange Hotel adults-only guesthouse in Keswick with free breakfast. Located close to Lodore Falls and Catbells Lakeland Walk, The Grange Country House provides free full breakfast, a terrace and a garden. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
    You’ll also enjoy perks such as:
    • Free self-parking
    • An electric car charging station, access to a nearby indoor pool and access to a nearby health club
    • Express check-out, coffee/tea in reception and tour/ticket information
    • Guest reviews say great things the breakfast, helpful staff and first-rate property condition
    Room features
    All rooms are individually furnished, and offer comforts such as premium bedding and laptop-friendly workspaces, in addition to thoughtful touches such as free WiFi and desk chairs. Guest reviews highly rate the cleanliness rooms at the property.
    Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
    • Free tea bags/instant coffee and electric kettles
    • Bathrooms with free toiletries and hairdryers
    • Flat-screen TVs with digital channels
    • Wardrobes/cupboards, heating and daily housekeeping

2.

Inn near Blencathra
Located close to Cumberland Pencil Museum and Theatre By The Lake, The Horse & Farrier Inn and The Salutation Inn provides a terrace, a garden and a bar. Free in-room WiFi and a restaurant are available to all guests.
You’ll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Free self-parking
  • Barbecues, smoke-free property and coffee/tea in reception
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff
Room features
All guest rooms at The Horse & Farrier Inn and The Salutation Inn include amenities, such as free WiFi.
More amenities include:
  • Free tea bags/instant coffee and electric kettles
  • Bathrooms with shampoo
  • 22-inch Smart TVs with digital channels

3. Royal Oak at Keswick, Inn with restaurant and bar/lounge.

Upscale inn in a rural location
Royal Oak at Keswick provides amenities, such as a bar and a restaurant. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You’ll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Smoke-free property
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All guest rooms at Royal Oak at Keswick feature comforts, such as laptop-friendly workspaces, as well as
More amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with baths or showers and free toiletries
  • Wardrobes/cupboards, coffee/tea makers and daily housekeeping

This route is suitable for people of all fitness levels and can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences. Enjoy your walk up Catbells!